I’m not sure how we got here so quickly, but the end of 2025 is already approaching. Holiday festivals, seasonal gatherings, recitals, gift shopping, and entertaining may be filling up the calendar, but I still want to make room for all the festive fun Montreal with kids December 2025 has to offer.
Esplanade Tranquille Skating Rink
I love that the skating rink at Quartier des Spectacles is open with 1500 metres of ice, free of charge and ready for skaters. With space for up to 400 skaters, it feels like such an easy December outing to add to the list. Throughout the season, there will also be special events, including dance nights and video projections on the rink.
Jean Talon Market Holiday Activities – Weekends
I always enjoy a good market visit during the holidays, and Jean Talon Market is hosting activities and events throughout the month for kids and adults alike. Small businesses will be part of the holiday market, selling festive treats and gifts. On the first weekend, December 5-7, there will be Christmas stories told in French. From December 12-14, Santa Claus will visit on Saturday from 10am to 1pm, and on Sunday there will be a free ornament decorating workshop from 10am to 4pm. On the final weekend, December 19-21, kids can take part in a cooking workshop on Saturday from 1pm-3pm. Advance registration, two weeks prior, is required for all workshops.
Ogilvy Christmas Window
The McCord Museum is once again hosting the famous holiday windows that have been part of Montreal’s holiday season since 1947. The Enchanted Village is displayed inside, while The Mill in the Forest is outside for everyone to see. I also like that visitors will receive an exploration booklet for hide-and-seek games, and there will be other holiday-themed activities happening at the museum too.
Nutcracker Ballet – December 12-30
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens is bringing this Christmas classic to Place des Arts. I think The Nutcracker is one of those holiday traditions that feels especially magical with kids, and the live orchestra will perform alongside the ballet every day at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets start at $96.
Peter Pan Pantomime – December 12 – January 4
Hudson Village Theatre is putting on its annual fundraising performance, with Peter Pan in the spotlight this year. Captain Hook, Peter Pan, and the gang will take the stage for a play filled with laughs, with showtimes at both 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are $30 each.
Exporail Christmas – Until December 30
Railway Christmas is taking place at the Exporail museum in Saint-Constant, and I think this is such a fun option for train-loving kids. The holiday train will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus and will run on December 6, 13, and 14, with 20-minute rides throughout the day. Kids can also write Santa a letter and mail it in the museum’s mail express car.
On weekends, kids’ craft activities will also be taking place, and for a small fee, gingerbread cookies can be decorated. A holiday tea service will also be available in the Canada Car from December 19-30 for an extra fee, with a maximum of 9 people enjoying 90 minutes of tea time.
Free Entry Montreal Museum of Art – December 24 -January 3
Throughout the holiday season, the museum will be offering free entry to all visitors. It will be closed on December 25th and January 1st, but otherwise it is open throughout the winter break. I think it’s a great chance to discover the art, have a drink at the café, and enjoy a day downtown without adding another expensive outing to the month.
Montreal Malls Take on the Holidays
Two of the city’s newest malls have big plans for the holiday season. Quartier Dix 30 is hosting a Polar Carnival until December 24th, including Santa Claus and Santa’s village. There are also weekend workshops where kids can craft ornaments, snow bears, and snowflakes.
At Royalmount, there will be a performance of The Nutcracker on December 6th at 11am and 2pm. The skating rink will be opening soon in the Urban Park, where it will be open daily from 9am to 9pm.
Inspired by this post on Midnight Mom.
